Addressing the British and Irish Anti-Bullying Forum (BIABF), the Education Minister said: “Bullying has no place in our schools, in our youth clubs or in any setting where children and young people are to be found. I and my department are committed to working with and supporting those who are engaged in addressing this universal problem.
“My department is developing a ‘Pupil Emotional Health and Well-Being’ programme in partnership with all key statutory, voluntary and community sector stakeholders. The programme will contribute to the building of resilient emotional health and well being and also integrates the individual policies and services of counselling, pastoral care systems, suicide prevention, anti-bullying, discipline procedures and the healthy schools initiative in a consistent and coherent way.”
Membership of the BIABF is made up of representatives from Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.
The minister went onto say: “Working together is essential if bullying is to be tackled effectively. All agencies involved with children and young people must work together - no single agency has the right answer and indeed there is no right answer.
“This is why collaboration is important; we must pool our expertise and experience together and share our knowledge to help all our children and young people.”
Notes to Editors:
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